Watch the Video [4 hours]

2007 was a gubernatorial election year in Kentucky, with former Democratic Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear unseating incumbent Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher. In addition, voters chose five other constitutional officers: secretary of state, attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, treasurer, and auditor of public accounts.

On Election Day, November 6, Bill Goodman and Renee Shaw anchored a full evening of returns and analysis in Election 2007: The Vote. In addition to complete returns from across the state, the program features commentary from political observers John McGarvey, John David Dyche, and Al Cross; interviews with political leaders; and coverage of candidates’ speeches. Click on the button at right to view the entire four-hour program, or use a link below to play a one-hour segment.

Part 1
approx. 1 hour

• introduction and early returns
• analysis of the governor’s race by in-studio commentators
• interview with Kentucky party chairmen Jonathan Miller (D) and Steve Robertson (R)
• report by Rachel Stanley, Appalachian News-Express, Pikeville
• report by Bill Bartleman, Paducah Sun
• interview with Republican activist Larry Forgy, a former gubernatorial candidate
• report by Patrick Crowley, Kentucky Enquirer, Fort Mitchell
• report by Warren Wheat, News-Enterprise, Elizabethtown
• report by Mark Hebert, WHAS-TV, Louisville
• discussion of Fletcher’s campaign by in-studio commentators

Part 2
approx. 1 hour

• discussion of down-ticket races
• victory statement by Todd Hollenbach, Democratic candidate for state treasurer
• report by Bill Bryant, WKYT-TV, Lexington
• interview with former state Republican Party chair Ellen Williams
• discussion of Sen. Mitch McConnell’s role in the gubernatorial race and McConnell’s 2008 re-election campaign
• victory statement by Richie Farmer, incumbent Republican commissioner of agriculture
• discussion of Farmer and his political future
• victory statement by Crit Luallen, incumbent Democratic state auditor
• discussion of Luallen’s political future and of gains and losses by the Democratic and Republican parties
• victory statement by Jack Conway, Democratic candidate for attorney general, with an introduction by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-3rd)

Part 3
approx. 1 hour

• concession statement by Gov. Ernie Fletcher, with an introduction by Robbie Rudolph, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor
• analysis of Fletcher’s remarks
• victory statement by Lt. Gov.-elect Daniel Mongiardo
• discussion of Mongiardo’s and others’ potential roles in the upcoming administration
• discussion of Fletcher’s future
• victory statement by Gov.-elect Steve Beshear
• victory statement by Trey Grayson, incumbent Republican secretary of state

Part 4
approx. 1 hour

• interview with Kentucky Senate President David Williams (R-Burkesville)
• interview with Kentucky House Speaker Jody Richards (D-Bowling Green)
• in-studio commentary on final results
• interview with Kentucky House Minority Floor Leader Jeff Hoover (R-Jamestown)
• interview with Kentucky Senate Minority Floor Leader Ed Worley (D-Richmond)
• interview with state Sen. and former Gov. Julian Carroll (D-Frankfort)
• discussion of 2008 congressional and presidential election
• recap of highlights from speeches
• final remarks from the panelists

KET’s 2007 election coverage was produced by Deidre Clark and directed by Nick Helton. Mike Brower was executive producer.